The Influence of Filmic Representations on Narratives of Place and Tourist Destination Image : Johannesburg, South Africa.

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of popular media representations, specifically film and television, on narratives of place and tourist destination image. The argument is based on the premise that popular media representations of potential tourist destinations, through wide dissemination and use, construct and sustain specific expectations and perceptions in potential tourists. This may ultimately influence motivational indicators for travel to or deterrents from travel to a specific destination. The dissertation reflects on various aspects in films, at destinations, and inherent to audiences that can have an influence on location filming, film tourism and filmic destination marketing. It further explores certain infrastructural arrangements that make location filming, film tourism and filmic destination possible. These aspects are first examined through international examples, then related to a South African context and finally to specific filmic representations of Johannesburg in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and by Director Neill Blomkamp between 2009 and 2018.